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Fex Valley – a hiker's paradise

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Fex Valley – a hiker's paradise

One of the most beautiful side valleys in the Engadin begins just a few steps away from the village square in Sils. The mostly car-free Val Fex – or Fex Valley – captivates hikers, mountain bikers and walkers as well as snowshoe trekkers and cross-country skiers alike. Discover paradise.

Far away from everyday life

With its wide-open meadows and pastures, shady woodland and its varied network of trails, the Fex Valley is a true hiking paradise in summer. In winter, the roughly eight-kilometre-long valley is a white wonderland with guaranteed snow. The only sounds you hear are the tinkling of bells on the horse-drawn carriages and the crunch of your own steps in the snow. About 100 people still live in the Fex Valley today, some of whom ensure that you enjoy not only the spectacular scenery, but the excellent cuisine too. Enjoy hiking with all your senses in summer or winter.

Distances on foot Sils – Fex

Sils Maria - Fex Platta 30 - 40 minutes
Sils Maria - Fex Crasta 50 - 60 minutes
Sils Maria - Fex Curtins 1.5  -2 hours
Sils Maria - Alp Muot Selvas 2.5 - 3 hours


Interactive Map with Places to visit

Panoramic map Sils summer

Panoramic map Sils winter

Protected landscape

The Fex Valley has the good fortune to be among the Engadin landscapes that are placed under special protection. In 1954, an agreement was made between the municipality of Sils and the Swiss Heritage Society, Pro Natura and Pro Helvetia that there would be no parking, no ski lifts, no chair lifts, no power lines and no new holiday homes. Thanks to this, visitors are greeted with fragrant meadows, picturesque villages and sparkling mountain streams. Let your body and soul roam free on the extensive network of hiking trails.

High above the Fex Valley

The first settlers

The Fex Valley was inhabited in the early middle ages. In 1303, the first document refers to a valley called “Fedes”. This name clearly indicates that “Feda”, the Romansh word for sheep, were grazed here. Later – when the valley was called ‟Feitz” – a chronicler wrote: «The valley is rich in meadows with a high hay yield and magnificent pastures grazed by sheep.» He also wrote: «At a distance of approximately 1,000 steps from the village of Silio (Sils Maria) live wealthy farmers on farmsteads consisting of roughly 30 houses.» This was around 450 years ago. Today, the Fex Valley has four smaller farms. Around 900 sheep are grazed on the Alps in summer.

Ancient villages and houses steeped in tradition

The Fex Valley is still the same as it is portrayed on engravings and old photos. If you follow the trail through the narrow Fex gorge, which is steep in places, you soon arrive at Fex Platta, an idyllic village at the bottom of the sweeping valley, which is surrounded by glorious meadows. The path now climbs slightly: in the distance, you will see the small chapel of Fex Crasta, which is adorned with frescoes dating back to 1511. Smugglers from the Muretto Pass once prayed here for protection against falling rocks and avalanches. Continue for a further 3 km and you see Fex Curtins. This is the last hamlet in the valley and has been inhabited for more than 700 years.

Getting around by horse-drawn carriage

One of the most cosy and unusual ways of exploring the Fex Valley in summer or winter is in a horse-drawn carriage. The ride takes you through unspoiled countryside, surrounded by majestic 3,000 metre mountain peaks. If you don't want to hire your own horse-drawn carriage, you can hop on the horse omnibus in summer. It has a fixed timetable and takes you to Platta, Crasta or to the Fex Hotel, as required.

Distances with the horse-drawn carriage

Sils Maria - Fex Platta 15 minutes
Sils Maria - Fex Crasta 30 minutes
Sils Maria - Hotel Fex 50 minutes


Contact and prices horse-drawn carriage

Cosy guesthouses, hotels and holiday apartments

Holidays in the Fex Valley are a special experience. Enjoy total calm and nature up close – you couldn't ask for more. We also indulge you with local specialities and delicacies. Next to the Hotel Chesa Pool guesthouse, which comprises several historic buildings, you will find the Hotel Sonne Fex (Crasta) and the smaller guesthouse called Pension Crasta. The charming Fex Hotel, which was built in 1900 and is located towards the end of the Fex Valley, welcomes hikers, climbers and gourmets. You can also book a holiday apartment for a relaxing holiday in the Fex Valley, surrounded by nature.

Fancy visiting an Alpine pasture?

In summer, you can look forward to sampling delicious local dishes up in the mountains on Alp da Segl, which is roughly a 20-minute walk from the Fex Hotel, and on Alp Muot Selvas at the far end of the Fex Valley, which is a roughly 40-minute walk from the Fex Hotel.

Fextal-Tipps

  • Summer hike from Furtschellas down into the Fex Valley
    Take the cable car to the Furtschellas middle station, then continue on foot via Marmorè and Las Pischas into the Fex Valley. Enjoy the superb views across the entire valley.
  • Visit the holy Madonna and Child with Saint Anne
    Admire the old frescoes in the Fex Crasta church.
  • Follow in the footsteps of mountaineering pioneer Klucker
    Christian Klucker, from the Fex Valley, was the first professional mountain guide who led more than 3,000 tours.
  • Visit the Fex Gallery
    Visit the varied exhibitions on show at the Fex Gallery in Fex Curtins.
  • Cheva Plattas da Fex
    «Fexerplatten» are the unique slabs of stone made up of layers of schist that can only be found at the very far end of the Fex Valley. Find out more about the mysterious story behind these stones here. Find out more about «Cheva Plattas da Fex»

Useful links

Holidays in the Fex Valley Find your Hotel or holiday home in the calm Val Fex

Restaurants in the Fex Valley Enjoy wining and dining in the Fex Valley.

Horse-drawn carriage We lead you safely into the Fex Valley.

Municipality of Sils i.E/Segl Our municipal offices.